I have a question for all of you. What are the different "rules and regulations" you follow when using your garbage disposal? I have heard people swear that you need to run it with hot water, other that have said cold water, some that will actually throw uneaten meals, not just scraps, down their disposal, some that say grease is okay and others that say no. Is there really a right way it should be used?
I will start it off with my usage. I only use it for something that has slipped by me when cleaning off my dishes, because I scrape the scraps into the trashcan, prior to placing my dishes and pans in the sink to be wash or cleaned before going in the dishwasher. For things that have slipped by, if I know it's something big, like an entire whole carrot, I will pull it out and throw it away. I never put grease down my drain - ever! If I fry something, or have extra butter in a pan from a sauté, I will wipe it out with a paper towel, first, before putting it in the sink. When I run the disposal, I always run cold water, because that is what I was told to do.
Anybody use theirs differently? I mean, I have one friend who said she has shoved an entire pizza down her disposal. I guess my question would be why??? Now, I will throw a lemon or lime wedge(s) down there every now and then to freshen it up a bit, but other than that, I guess I baby mine. Having said that, I have never had a drink back up or replaced a garbage disposal (and I hope I didn't just jinx myself). 4951